With Chris Paulreportedly wanting out in New Orleans, the airwaves have been burning with debate over whether the point guard could potentially be a fit in Boston and whether it would be worth replacing incumbent Rajon Rondo. Now we ask you for your opinion.

With Kendrick Perkins sidelined for part of the 2010-11 season following surgery to repair his torn ACL, the Celtics are looking for help at center. O’Neal averaged 12.0 points and 6.7 rebounds a game while playing 23 minutes a night for the Cavaliers in 2009-10.

The report said that O’Neal has also encountered mutual interest with the Hawks and Mavericks, and that if LeBron James returns to Cleveland, he would consider a return to the Cavs. O’Neal, 38, has played for the Magic, Lakers, Heat, Suns and Cavs in his career.

Jeff Goodman of WEEI.com/FoxSports.com has learned that Paul Piercehas agreed to a four-year, $61 million deal with the Celtics. The Boston Herald was first to report the agreement. Free agent contracts can’t officially be signed until July 8.

Pierce opted out of the final year of his previous contract Wednesday, walking away from what would have been a $21.5 million salary in 2010-11 to test the free-agent waters.

Pierce has long stated that he wanted to retire as a member of the Celtics, and this contract should allow him to do so. The 12-year veteran has scored 19,899 points in his career, third only to John Havlicek (26,395) and Larry Bird (21,791) in franchise history.

The referees for Game 7 of the NBA finals were announced by the league Thursday morning. Joey Crawford, Dan Crawford and Scott Foster have been tabbed to call the fouls as the Celtics and Lakers battle for NBA supremacy.

For Joey Crawford, it’s his third appearance in this year’s finals. He reffed Game 1 in Los Angeles and Game 5 in Boston. Dan Crawford was on the floor for the Celtics’ Game 3 loss at TD Garden. Foster officiated Boston’s Game 4 win.

Q. From your perspective, how did the Celtics‘ chemistry change when Perkins got injured?

RAJON RONDO: I think we were a little bit focused on if Perk was going to come back instead of just continuing to play. As soon as halftime came, you know, we all just ran to the locker room and to the training room to see how he was feeling and if he was okay. Our energy went down a little bit, but for the most part it’s not an excuse. We just came out and didn’t have it.

Q. How did the dynamics of the team change when he got injured?

RAJON RONDO: Perk is our enforcer. He’s our biggest body we have to throw out there on Bynum. He clears the paint up for us. He does a lot of intangibles. He’s a great shot blocker, rebounder, and he’s the anchor of our defense.

Q. How does the way you guys lost this game affect your mindset going into the next one? And if Kendrick is not close to 100 percent, how does that affect the match‘up?

RAJON RONDO: That’s why we have a lot of guys throughout the roster. We have Big Baby and Rasheed. Other guys have to step up. We’ve had injuries before all season and guys have stepped up. But I’m sure they’ll be up for the challenge and ready to play.